GI Physiology Flashcards
GI System Physiology Two Major Functions:
(1) Digestion
(2) Absorption of Nutrients
GI System Physiology Four Activities:
- Motility
- Secretions
- Digestion
- Absorption
Motility -
Define
food propelled from mouth –> rectum
Secretions -
Define
pancreatic, salivary and hepatic enzymes and electrolytes help with digestion/absorption
Absorption -
Define
–> Blood - absorbed nutrients, electrolytes & water are transferred into the blood stream
Mucosal Layer contains:
(Epithelium + Lamina Propria + Muscularis Mucosa)
Mucosal Layer function:
- Epithelium specialized for absorption & secretion
* Contraction of muscularis mucosa = ΔShape & Surface Area of Epithelium
Submucosal Layer contains:
(collagen, elastin, glands, blood vessels)
Muscularis Mucosa layer:
Circular Muscle
Longitudinal Muscle
Serosal Mucosa layer:
(Faces Blood)
Nerve Plexuses
- Meissner’s Plexus:
2. Myenteric Plexus:
Meissner’s Plexus:
Submucosal Plexus (Meissner’s Plexus): deep to submucosal layer
Myenteric Plexus:
deep to circular muscle
Enteric Nervous System (ENS):
Composed of the Meissner’s Plexus & Myenteric Plexus located on either side of the circular smooth muscle. They comprise the intrinsic innervation of the GI Tract.
Innervation of the GI Tract -
Autonomic Nervous System Extrinsic & Enteric System Intrinsic
Extrinsic Innervation include:
Parasympathetics & Sympathetics
Parasympathetics Nerves:
- Vagus Nerve:
2. Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves:
Vagus Nerve:
Striated muscle in ↑1/3 of Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine & Ascending Colon (= ↑GI Tract)
Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves:
Transverse colon, descending + sigmoid colon, & striated muscle of anal canal (= ↓GI Tract)
Parasympathetics have long?
Pre-ganglionic fibers that synapse in ganglion INSIDE the submucosal & myenteric plexus
Parasympathetic post-ganglionic fibers relayed to
Smooth muscle, endocrine glands & secretory cells.
Parasympathetic Neurotransmitters:
- Cholinergic Neurons: AcH
2. Peptidergic Neurons: Substance P, VIP, etc.
Sympathetic Ganglia:
- Celiac
- Superior Mesenteric
- Inferior Mesenteric
- Hypogastric
Sympathetics have short
Pre-ganglionic fibers that synapse with ganglion OUTSIDE the layers of the GI wall
Sympathetic post-ganglionic fibers travel to
Submucosal or myenteric ganglion, or directly innervate the smooth muscle, endocrine glands, & secretory cells.
Sympathetic Neurotransmitters:
Adrenergic Neurons: Norepinephrine
Enteric System
Enteric Ganglion:
Located entirely in the submucosal or myenteric plexus on GI tract wall
Enteric System receives sensory information from
Mechanoreceptors & chemoreceptors in
mucosa & directly relays to smooth muscle, secretory glands, & endocrine cells as well as other ganglion.
Enteric System receives input from
parasympathetic & sympathetic extrinsic systems.
Neurocrines
AcH: location & function
from cholinergic neurons –> contraction of muscle wall + relaxation of sphincter + ↑all secretion
Neurocrines
NE: location & function
from adrenergic neurons –> relaxation of muscle wall + contraction of sphincter + ↑secretion of saliva
From Neurons of Mucosa or Smooth Muscle
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)
- Gastrin-related peptide (GRP)/Bombesin
- Enkephalins (opiates)
- Neuropeptide Y
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) –>
relaxation of muscle wall + ↑all secretion
Gastrin-related peptide (GRP)/Bombesin –>
↑Gastric Secretion
Enkephalins (opiates) –>
contraction of smooth muscle + ↓Intestinal Secretion
Neuropeptide Y –>
relaxation of smooth muscle + ↓Intestinal Secretion
Gastrointestinal Peptides =
Hormones + Paracrines + Neurocrines
Hormones Released from
endocrine cells; cells are dispersed throughout GI tract
Hormones Secreted into
portal circulation –> liver —> blood stream –> systemic blood
Hormones Blood delivers to
Target cells in OR outside of the GI tract
Hormones Must meet following criteria:
- Secreted from physiologic stimuli & carried via blood to distant site to fulfill physiologic response
- Must act independent of neural activity
- Must be isolated & chemically ID
Gastrin Hormones:
Gastrin-CCK Family
- G17 (Little Gastrin):
- G34 (Big Gastrin):
G17 (Little Gastrin):
↑secretions during/just after meals
2.G34 (Big Gastrin):
↑secretions at low levels in between meals
Gastrin Site of Secretion:
G (Gastrin) Cells in Stomach Antrum.
Gastrin Stimuli for/against Secretion:
Anything to do with Eating
- Peptides + Amino Acids: most potent are AA phenylalanine & tryptophan
- Distention of Stomach
- Vagal Stimulation: occurs via neurocrine GRP acting on G cells
- Somatostatin: inhibits secretion
- ↓pH: inhibits secretion
Gastrin Action
- ↑H+ Release by gastric parietal cells
2. ↑Growth of Gastric Mucosa (trophic effect)
Cholecytokinin (CCK) Hormones:
Gastrin-CCK Family Act on Two Receptors
- CCKA:
- CCKB:
CCKA: selective for
CCK
CCKB: sensitive for
CCK & Gastrin
Cholecytokinin (CCK) Site of Secretion:
I Cells in Duodenum & Jejunum
Cholecytokinin (CCK) Stimuli for/against Secretion:
Basically the Fat & Protein in a Meal
- Monoglycerides + Fatty Acids (NOT TGs)
- Small Peptides + AAs
Cholecytokinin (CCK) Action:
Functions contribute to Fat, Protein, & CHO Digestion
Cholecytokinin (CCK) cause: Contraction of Gallbladder + Relaxation of Sphincter of Odi:
↑Bile into SI
Cholecytokinin (CCK) cause: Secretion of Pancreatic Enzymes:
lipases (FA/MG), amylase (CHO), protease
Cholecytokinin (CCK) cause: Secretion of Pancreatic
HCO3-
Cholecytokinin (CCK) cause: ↑Growth of Exocrine Pancreas + Gallbladder:
tropic effects where CCK acts
Cholecytokinin (CCK) cause: ↓Gastric Emptying = ↑Gastric Emptying Time:
↓chyme from stomach –> SI
Secretin Hormones:
Secretin-Glucagon Family
Secretin Site of Secretion:
S (Secretin Cells) in Duodenum
Secretin Stimuli for/against Secretion:
Acidity in Duodenum (pH < 4.5)
- ↑H+ In duodenum
- ↑FA in duodenum
Secretin Action:
Neutralize H+ in Duodenum = protects acid-sensitive pancreatic lipase
- ↑Pancreatic HCO3- Secretion
- ↑Biliary HCO3- Secretion
- ↓Gastrin Effects = ↓H+ secretion from G cells; ↓tropic effects
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP)
Hormones:
Secretin-Glucagon Family
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP) Site of Secretion:
K Cells in Duodenum & Jejunum
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP) Stimuli for/against Secretion:
Only hormone stimulated by all 3 nutrient types
- AA
- Fatty Acids
- Oral Glucose (ORAL ONLY)
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide (GIP) Action:
- Stimulates Insulin Secretion from Pancreatic β Cells
2. ↓Gastric H+ Secretion
Paracrines Hormones: secreted & act:
- Secreted by endocrine cells
- Diffuse short distances via ISF or carried via capillaries
- Act locally within same tissue that secretes them
Paracrines Hormones GI tract:
Somatostatin & Histamine
Somatostatin Site of Secretion:
D Endocrine + Paracrine Cells
Somatostatin Stimuli for/against Secretion:
↓Luminal pH
Somatostatin Action:
- ↓Secretion of other GI hormones
2. ↓Gastric H+ Secretion
Histamine Site of Secretion:
Endocrine-Cells in H+ Secreting Region of Stomach
Histamine Stimuli for/against Secretion:
many
Histamine Action:
↑Gastric H+ Secretion by Gastric Parietal cells
Neurocrines secreted & act:
- Made by neurons in GI tract
- Released after action potential
- Diffuse across synapse to act on target
All contractile muscle is smooth muscle EXCEPT:
a) Pharynx
b) ↑1/3 of Esophagus
c) External Anal Sphincter
GI Smooth Muscle =
Unitary Smooth Muscle
Cells in Unitary Smooth Muscle are electrically
Coupled via gap-junctions that are ↓resistance pathways = fast AP
Unitary Smooth Muscle Fast spread of AP =
coordinated + fast muscle contractions
Circular vs. Longitudinal Muscle
a) Circular Muscle: contraction shortens a ring of smooth muscle = ↓diameter at a certain segment
b) Longitudinal Muscle: contraction shortens a length of smooth muscle = ↓length of a certain segment
Phasic vs. Tonic Contraction
a) Phasic: period contraction then relaxation; found in esophagus, gastric antrum, small intestine = mixing/propelling tissues
b) Tonic: constant low-level contraction without relaxation; found in upper/orad stomach & sphincters (↓esophageal, ileocecal, internal anal sphincter)
orad define:
toward the mouth or oral region
Slow Waves:
Oscillating Depolarization & Repolarization of Membrane Potential in Gastric Smooth Muscle Cells
Slow Waves: Depolarization Phase:
Membrane potential becomes less negative & approaches threshold
a) If depolarization achieves threshold –> burst of APs on top of the slow wave
b) Mechanical response (contraction/tension) lags behind the electrical activity
Slow Waves: Repoalrization Phase:
Membrane potential becomes more negative away from threshold
Characteristics of Slow Waves Frequency:
Frequency of slow waves determines ==> frequency of APs ==> frequency of contraction
(1) Stomach has slowest frequency (3 slow waves/min)
(2) Duodenum has highest frequency (12 slow waves/min)
(3) Neural input or hormonal input DO NOT affect frequency of slow waves, but DO affect frequency of action potentials
Characteristics of Slow Waves Origin:
Interstitial Cells of Cajal
(1) “Pacemaker of GI Smooth Muscle”
(2) Found in myenteric plexus; transmits cyclic depolarization/repolarization to smooth muscle via ↓resistance gap junctions
Characteristics of Slow Waves Mechanism of Slow Wave:
(1) Depolarization: Ca++ Channels Open ==> ↑Influx of Ca++ ==> Depolarization
(2) Repolarization: K+ Channels Open ==> ↑Efflux of K+ ==> Repolarization
Characteristics of Slow Waves & Contraction
(1) Even the cyclic depolarizations that do not achieve threshold result in weak tonic contraction
(2) Depolarizations that achieve threshold result in phasic contraction
(a) The ↑#APs on top of depolarization ==> ↑Duration of Phasic Contraction
Chewing - Three Functions
- Mixes food with saliva = wets & lubricates food to allow swallowing
- ↓Size of food particles
- Mixes CHO with salivary amylase = kicks off CHO digestion
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Chewing
- Involuntary: sensory information via mechanoreceptors goes to brainstem –> reflex oscillatory chewing
- Voluntary: overrides involuntary reflex chewing at any time
Swallowing:
Voluntary —> Involuntary
Initiation of swallowing is
voluntary in the mouth, then involuntary in the pharynx & beyond
Swallowing Regulated by the
swallowing center in the medulla
Sensory information (food in mouth) sensed via
somatosensory receptors in pharynx
Information carried to medulla swallowing center via
CN IX and X
Medulla sends efferent innervation to
striated muscle in the pharynx & ↑1/3 of esophagus
Three Phases of Swallowing:
- Oral Phase:
- Pharyngeal Phase:
- Esophageal Phase:
Swallowing Oral Phase:
tongue pushes bolus to pharynx, where there are ↑↑↑somatosnesory receptors
Swallowing Pharyngeal Phase:
propel food through pharynx to esophagus in the following order:
• Soft palate pulls upward to prevent reflux into nasopharynx
• Epiglottis close opening of larynx (∴breathing inhibited during pharyngeal phase)
• Upper esophageal sphincter relaxes creating an opening for food into esophagus
• Peristaltic wave is initiated
Swallowing Esophageal Phase:
overlaps with esophageal motility
Esophageal Motility: Upper esophageal sphincter opens during
the pharyngeal phase of swallowing
• Bolus of food moves from pharynx to esophagus
• Upper esophageal sphincter closes to prevent reflux into pharynx
Esophageal Motility Primary Peristaltic Contraction:
mediated by swallowing reflex
• Series of coordinated sequential contractions that generate pressure just behind bolus, pushing it along
Esophageal Motility Food Approaches Lower Esophageal Sphincter - Three Things Happen
- Lower esophageal sphincter opens from vagal nerve release of VIP (Vasovagal Reflex)
- Orad region of stomach relaxes; ↓P_orad allows bolus in stomach (“Receptive Relaxation”)
- Lower esophageal sphincter closes P_Sphincter > P_Orad or P_Esophageal
Esophageal Motility Secondary Peristaltic Contraction -
back up to primary peristaltic contraction via enteric system
• If primary peristaltic contraction doesn’t clear food, secondary peristaltic contraction begins
Esophageal Motility Pressure & the Esophagus:
- Recall, P_intrathoracic is negative ===> P_Esophageal is also negative
- P_abdomen > P_Esophagus
Esophageal Motility: Two consequences of negative intra-esophageal pressure, explaining purpose of esophageal sphincters
- Air can enter the esophagus ==> Upper Esophageal Sphincter prevents this
- Gastric contents can enter the esophagus ==> Lower Esophageal sphincter prevents this
* ***In obesity or pregnancy, P_abdomen > P_Lower_Esophageal_Sphincter = GERD
Gastric Motility Muscles of Stomach:
outer longitudinal layer –> middle circular layer –> inner oblique layer
• ↑Thickness of muscle wall from proximal to distal end of stomach
Gastric Motility Structural Organization:
Fundus + Body + Antrum
Gastric Motility Orad =
fundus + proximal portion of body –> thin walled for weaker contractions
Gastric Motility Caudad =
distal body + antrum –> thick walled for stronger contractions to mix & propel food
Gastric Motility Innervation
- Extrinsic Parasympathetic + Sympathetic Innervation
* Intrinsic Enteric Innervation from Myenteric & Submucosal Plexuses
Gastric Motility Three Phases:
- Receptive Relaxation
- Mixing & Digestion
- Gastric Emptying
Gastric Motility Receptive Relaxation -
Orad Territory
• Function of orad region is receive bolus by relaxing when lower esophageal sphincter distends
• Relaxation of orad region = ↓P_Orad = ↑V_Orad = bolus can enter stomach
Gastric Motility Mixing & Digestion -
Caudad Territory
• Contractions around mid-/distal-body break down bolus (chyme), mix gastric contents, & propel food
• ↑Strength of contractions distally also close pylorus —> chyme pushed back into stomach (“Retropulsion”)
Gastric Motility Parasympathetic stimulation & gastrin/motilin =
↑frequency of APs & contraction force (x slow waves)
Gastric Motility Sympathetic stimulation & secretin/GIP =
↓frequency of APs & contraction force (not slow waves)
Gastric Motility Gastric Emptying -
Monitored to ensure appropriate size ( slows gastric emptying –> ↑time for absorption of fatty gastric contents
• ↑H+ = ↑enteric reflex –> myenteric plexus slows gastric emptying –> ↑time for HCO3- neutralization
Throughout stomach & small intestine, migrating myoelectric complexes are
Mediated by motilin. These are periodic contractions (every 90 mins) during fasting that clear stomach & SI of residual food/chyme contents.